A notification circulating on social media has sparked confusion among students in Punjab, claiming that public and private colleges and universities in the province have ended attendance requirements.

 

 

The document, dated January 17, 2026, states that higher education institutions have been instructed not to prevent students from appearing in examinations or securing admissions on the basis of attendance shortages. It further claims that institutions have been barred from imposing fines or penalties linked to attendance.

 

 

According to the notification, strict legal and administrative action would be taken against institutions that fail to comply with the directive. The document carries the name and signature of a section officer identified as Babar Khan Gondal.

 

 

Following the circulation of the notification across social media platforms, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan issued a response, advising the public to exercise caution regarding the document.

 

 

The commission stated that the notification being shared online was not issued by the HEC and warned that unverified information was being widely circulated. The HEC urged to remain vigilant and refrain from sharing such material.

 

 

In its response, the commission advised all concerned parties to rely only on official government websites and verified social media accounts for updates related to higher education policies and regulations.